Steamboat briefs: Students fundraising for middle school today

Steamboat Springs  Steamboat Springs Middle School students and parents are selling Staples gift cards today through Saturday at the store. Five percent of proceeds will benefit the school. Cash and checks payable to Steamboat Springs Middle School will be accepted. Call Kris Bensler at 970-870-9344 with questions.

US Forest Service urges summer campfire safety

The U.S. Forest Service is reminding campers to be careful with campfires this summer.

"Right now, the fire danger in the forest and grasslands is moderate with no fire restrictions in place," Tony Tezak, forest fire management officer for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, said this week. "Despite a lack of fire restrictions, however, people still need to be aware of the dangers associated with campfires and be cautious with their use. We have already encountered numerous instances this summer where campfires have been left unattended. This is an accident waiting to happen."

Leaving a campfire unattended is a violation of Federal law and is punishable by a fine of $225 to $5,000 and as many as six months in jail.

For more information about campfire safety, visit the local USFS office on Weiss Drive.